Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tien Chung-kwang, is set to attend the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Tonga, as announced by the ministry on Sunday. This follows the U.S. State Department’s declaration that Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell will also be attending the forum to advance U.S.–Pacific strategic partnership goals.
The PIF consists of 18 member nations, including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea, among others. The next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 26 to 30.
In the Pacific region, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been strengthening economic ties and increasing military presence, posing challenges to the United States’ peacekeeping efforts. These Pacific island nations hold strategic importance and could influence the balance of power between China and the United States, especially in reaching nations like Taiwan and the Philippines.
The stance on Taiwan varies among the nations, with some maintaining diplomatic relations while others align with the CCP’s position of not recognizing Taiwan.
Tien mentioned plans for a summit with allies Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands, along with other like-minded countries, during the forum.
Palau’s President has resisted pressure from the CCP, emphasizing the importance of upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific region. He urged neighboring nations to reject a proposed security and economic deal from China.
Not all Pacific island nations share this standpoint.
Some nations, like Nauru, have chosen to cut ties with Taiwan and align with China for development purposes. Tonga and Vanuatu have also engaged with China through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative. Solomon Islands, on the other hand, has accepted substantial aid from China, raising concerns about the nature of the funds.
Leaders from various Pacific island nations have engaged with high-ranking CCP officials, indicating a growing influence of China in the region. The dynamics between these nations and China continue to evolve, impacting the geopolitical landscape.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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